Intel Server Firmware Updates and Their Impact on TPG Functionality - Seeking Insights and Recommendations

[devinmarco]

Hi Everyone

I am writing today to seek your valuable insights and experiences regarding the impact of Intel server firmware updates on the functionality of TPG (Third-Party Software). Specifically, I am interested in understanding the potential challenges, considerations, and best practices when updating the firmware on Intel servers running TPG applications.

Firmware updates play a crucial role in ensuring server performance, security, and compatibility with the latest technologies. However, I have noticed that after performing Intel server firmware updates, there have been instances where TPG functionality has been affected, causing unexpected behavior, compatibility issues, or even disruptions to critical workflows.

I am particularly interested in discussing the following topics:

1. Common issues or challenges encountered when updating Intel server firmware while running TPG software.
2. Best practices for assessing the impact of firmware updates on TPG functionality prior to installation.
3. Strategies for mitigating risks and minimizing disruptions during the firmware update process.
4. Recommendations for establishing a robust testing and rollback plan to ensure TPG compatibility.
5. Collaboration and communication approaches with TPG vendors or support teams during firmware updates.
6. Insight into specific Intel server models or firmware versions that have shown better compatibility with TPG applications.
7. Tips for preserving critical TPG configurations and settings during the firmware update process.
8. Considerations for maintaining regulatory compliance and security when updating Intel server firmware for TPG deployments.
9. Real-life experiences or case studies from community members who have successfully updated Intel server firmware while ensuring uninterrupted TPG functionality.
10. Potential performance improvements or new features offered by Intel server firmware updates that positively impact TPG applications.

If you have encountered any challenges, identified workarounds, or have successfully updated Intel server firmware while maintaining the integrity and functionality of TPG software, I would greatly appreciate your insights and recommendations.

Please feel free to share your experiences, tips, and any resources that have proven helpful in managing Intel server firmware updates for TPG deployments. Together, we can navigate this process more effectively and ensure a smooth transition while safeguarding the stability and reliability of TPG systems.

Thank you in advance for your contributions, and I look forward to a fruitful discussion.

[david64]

Hi @devinmarco . Is your company running TPG corporate software? User database, security server, web server, mail server, accounting software, DNS?

Do the Intel firmware updates relate to the microcode of the Intel cpus used in servers running TPG software?

You mention unexpected behaviour, etc after upgrades. What specific things have gone wrong?

How were they fixed? Did you revert to previous firmware version? 

Or, were program changes needed to conform to new Intel functional specifications?

I'd expect the Intel firmware release notes to give details of all the changes being made. (Fixing obscure timing problems, new types of i/o hardware, new instructions or changes to instructions, etc.)

Virtualisation is an extra layer of complexity as hypervisors can be affected by the underlying cpu hardware.

P.S. I doubt you'll get much feedback here. This is not Community's purpose. There are simpler questions than this that moderators don't answer.